Between by Mary Ting Page A

sky.
    Austin stood between Michael and me. Michael’s hands were still bound behind him. I leaned forward to glance at Michael, and he gave me a warm smile to tell me everything would be fine. The door flung open and I tensed up. Holly, the girl who had gagged my mouth, walked in first. I would like to gag her , I thought. Her ebony hair was just above her shoulders, streaked with blonde highlights. She was petite and slim, figure much like mine, with striking facial features. Then Patrick walked in. He was taller than Michael with honey-blonde hair and bright green eyes. He wore a warm friendly smile. Both Holly and Patrick held their bows that were superbly imprinted with designs in gold; these were the bows that magically shot what looked like lightning bolts.
    After a few seconds, a woman appeared in the doorway with her hair in a stylish bun. Her beauty took my breath away and at that moment, I knew I had seen her somewhere before. She wore a red sleek dress, looking sensual, especially with her black spiky high heels. Pearl earrings dangled from her ears and her neck was lavished with a strand of pearls. Taking graceful steps, she headed toward the front of the desk. As soon as she set her eyes on us, Austin bowed. The lady in return nodded her head to acknowledge him.
    “ My lady Katherine, this is Michael and this is Claudia Emerson,” Austin introduced.
    Katherine? My eyes grew wide with sudden revelation that this was the Katherine; the one in the painting at the Grand View Hotel. I couldn’t believe I was standing right in front of her. I was in awe of her appearance, but frightened because I didn’t know what she wanted. If memory served me correctly, I wondered if her wings were golden, just like the painting of her.
    “ You’ve done well,” she replied with a proud tone, looking at Austin, then turning to Michael. “Sorry you were bound, but had you come in peace, this would not have been necessary.”
    What!!! I thought. That was not the way it happened. I didn’t say anything because it was not my place to do so and more so, I didn’t want to correct Katherine.
    “ However; I do agree some actions may have been hasty. Austin tends to be a little dramatic.” With a flick of her hand, she released Michael. His hands were free, resting by his side.
    “ Thank you,” Michael said. Even as a hostage, he was polite.
    “ Let me introduce myself.” Katherine regarded both of us and turned to Michael. “I am Katherine, one of the Twelve. The Twelve were separated many life times ago. Phillip, Margaret, and Agnes make the decisions in Crossroads and I, along with the rest, do so on Earth. We are located throughout Earth and meet when there is a need.
    “ Phillip and I have disagreed on how to handle conflicts on many occasions. We offered our help, but he refused. Because Claudia crossed over to Halo City, Phillip believed it was his right to handle the situation. But I believe that for anything that happens on Earth, we have the right to intervene. Imagine me, going to Crossroads and taking over, making demands. Phillip does not know our ways and I can say for sure that you and your friends do not know the culture of this century. Phillip was overly confident with your skills, but Aden and his followers were weak. There is a bigger problem at hand. Aliah, the demon creator, escaped when the gates were open.”
    Katherine paused. Fear emanated in Michael’s eyes and Katherine understood his expression.
    “ Yes, Aliah escaped when the gates were opened. We didn’t know until Michelle and Gracie found Austin. Austin tends to attract female friends,” Katherine said, cocking her brows. Then Holly let out an agreeing cough. “Michelle and Gracie gave us pertinent information and asked to be forgiven. They still have to do penance for their sins, but as long as they prove themselves, they will be forgiven.”
    “ Where is Aliah?” Michael asked.
    “ We do not know. All we know is that he has been